Padres Put Cubs in Immediate Trouble
The Chicago Cubs entered the 2026 postseason with another chance to make noise in October. After one night in San Diego, their margin for error has disappeared. The Padres defeated Chicago 8-0 in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series on September 29, leaving the Cubs one loss away from elimination.
The result was decided early and never really felt close. Fernando Tatis Jr. opened the game with a home run on the first pitch, and Manny Machado added another solo shot as San Diego quickly established control. Michael King then kept the Cubs’ offense quiet for seven innings.
Michael King Silences Chicago’s Lineup
King delivered the biggest performance of the night. The Padres right-hander allowed only one hit across seven scoreless innings, struck out eight and walked three in 97 pitches. Chicago managed just three hits throughout the game.
For a Cubs lineup that had finished the regular season with plenty of offensive firepower, the lack of production was striking. King carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning before Chicago finally broke through with a hit, but the Cubs never mounted a sustained threat.
| Game 1 detail | Cubs | Padres |
|---|---|---|
| Final score | 0 | 8 |
| Hits | 3 | 10 |
| Series record | 0-1 | 1-0 |
Tatis, Machado and Bogaerts Deliver
San Diego’s biggest names made sure the opening game did not stay close. Tatis hit a leadoff homer and finished with two hits and three runs scored. Machado also had two hits and a home run, while Xander Bogaerts added another homer as the Padres’ offense continued to pile on.
The Padres broke the game open in the fifth inning. Jackson Merrill delivered a two-run single, and San Diego added another run later after Chicago struggled to contain the inning. The Padres scored again in the seventh, turning what had already been a difficult night into a decisive victory.
Cubs’ Pitching Could Not Hold the Line
Chicago starter Matthew Boyd lasted four innings and surrendered four runs, including three home runs. The early damage meant the Cubs were forced to use their bullpen much sooner than they would have wanted in a best-of-three series.
The Cubs also had to deal with uncertainty surrounding their pitching staff entering October. Kevin Gausman had recently dealt with a left shoulder injury, although Chicago included him on its postseason roster. His availability and the club’s pitching plans were closely watched heading into the series.
Chicago Has Little Room Left
Game 1 was especially painful because the Cubs arrived in San Diego with plenty of momentum from the end of the regular season. Chicago finished 89-73 and secured its postseason berth before closing the regular season with a 6-2 victory over Boston, powered by Alex Bregman’s four-hit, two-homer performance.
Now the Cubs need to respond immediately. Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday night in San Diego, with Chicago facing elimination in the best-of-three series. The Padres, meanwhile, need only one more victory to advance to the National League Division Series against Milwaukee.
What Comes Next for the Cubs?
The second game carries a very different kind of pressure. Chicago’s hitters must find a way to generate offense against a Padres team that has just thrown a three-hit shutout, while the pitching staff has to prevent San Diego’s power hitters from getting another early advantage.
There is also recent history between these teams. Chicago won five of six meetings against San Diego during the regular season, including a 23-3 victory at Wrigley Field. That earlier success, however, has no effect on the current postseason series.
What was the Cubs’ score in Game 1?
The Chicago Cubs lost 8-0 to the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series.
Who pitched for the Padres in Game 1?
Michael King started for San Diego and threw seven scoreless innings while allowing one hit and striking out eight. Yuki Matsui and Joe Musgrove finished the three-hit shutout.
Are the Cubs eliminated?
Not yet. Because the Wild Card Series is a best-of-three matchup, Chicago can still force a deciding Game 3 by winning Game 2. Game 2 is scheduled for September 30 in San Diego.
